Storage heaters

nozspark · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:13 pm

Got to repair a storage heater for someone (replace 2 elements and a thermal link) and they want me to service the others.

Apart from a quick vac, checking the elements, link & operation of the dampers what else is involved??

breezer · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:14 pm

regret for taking on the job

nozspark · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:21 pm

No regret at this present time, got to change the CU for the heaters aswell as it has suffered some overheating!!!

Tomorrow might be a different matter though....

breezer · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:22 pm

good luck (with the heaters)

nozspark · Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:28 pm

I also only priced for the repair to the heater and the replacement of the CU..... servicing th others is "extra"!!

RF Lighting · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:47 pm

possibly a bit late now, but are you aware that some older storage heaters will be lined with asbestos?

Cremeegg · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:25 pm

Thermal cutouts can often trip - quick and easy to reset. Thermostats up to around £50. Anything that can go brittle with heat will have done so long ago - as soon as you touch it it's likely to fall apart. Any problems with spares try www.storageheater.co.uk - great service.

Most rads prior to 1985 will have some asbestos in them - your local Env Health Dept may be able to help with which models and subsequent disposal. My local licensed asbestos removal company charges £500plus to remove an old asbestos storage heater.

SeanT · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:50 pm

Every local authority provided recycling centre now has to provide an asbestos disposal facility - for free (to local householders) - in england at least - so get the householder (or you in a car rather than a van) to take said asbestos down the tip - just don't cut, drill or drop the stuff...

RF Lighting · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:54 pm

How do you remove the bricks without disturbing the asbestos?

SeanT · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:08 pm

I must have forgotten how expensive bricks were.... (~ 20p each?)

RF Lighting · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:28 pm

Have you ever tried to move a storage heater while it is still full of cast iron bricks?

SeanT · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:26 am

They are quite heavy, but I have moved a couple, yes.

nozspark · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:22 pm

All done now!

Heaters were Creda and < 15 years old.

Tested all elements out, ensured stats & dampers operating & gave them a good clean, managed to do that without unloading the bricks (front & top covers off) - only found one other thermal link replaced with a piece of wire, will replace that next week!!

Thanks for your help, will check out that site for parts!